"The California High-Speed Rail system will transform the way Californians travel, while alleviating freeway and airport congestion, reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the state's economic competitiveness," explained Andrew McNaughton, Balfour Beatty chief executive. "With funding now in place, construction of the initial segment in the Central Valley is on target to proceed this summer."

The project will allow passengers to travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco at speeds capable of more than 200 miles per hour, making the trip in less than three hours, compared to almost six hours by automobile. The first phase of the planned 800-mile network will run from Los Angeles to the San Francisco Bay Area through California's Central Valley, with subsequent phases connecting to San Diego and Sacramento.

Parsons Brinckerhoff has served as the project's program manager since 2006 and is assisting the California High-Speed Rail Authority with all aspects of the program, including planning, environmental review, preliminary engineering and testing and commissioning. Other key responsibilities include developing the criteria and technical standards that will define high-speed train systems, procurement of system-wide design-build contracts and supporting CHSRA on a range of project development activities, including economic impact analyses, business planning and grants.